This 2012 Pinot Noir won a Gold Medal in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and is a Wine Enthusiast Magazine "Best Buy"! Handcraft wines are the brainchild of Cheryl Indelicato of Delicato Family Vineyards. What makes these wines unique is the blending in of different varietals with the main grape adding a twist to what otherwise might seem ordinary. DFV owns one of the largest vineyards in California's Central Coast so they have ample access to quality grapes, particularly Pinot Noir. This 2012 is the latest release. Here, 76% Pinot Noir is spiced up with 9% Tempranillo, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Sangiovese and 3% Petite Sirah. The grapes are vinified separately and aging is in French and American oak barrels for 3 to 6 months. It shows a bright bouquet with strawberry, cherry, mocha and spice. Soft and succulent on the palate, it's a Pinot with pizazz. Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored it 89 points saying "Looking for a bargain in a good, coastal Pinot Noir? This one is silky, crisp in acidity and pleasurably rich in raspberries, cranberries and herb tea flavors, sweetened with a little brown sugar."

You don't see Pinot Noir blends too often, but Handcraft really has figured out how to make it work. The red cherry and strawberry certainly come to the forefront, but you'll find some blackberry, black pepper, blueberry and even some sweet spices from the additional blended grape varities. It's soft and smooth, but has some pretty serious structure for a value wine. Great Pinot for the BBQ season!